Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Friday accused main opposition PASOK-Movement for Change leader Nikos Androulakis of lying, in his response to the main opposition leader’s question for the prime minister in Parliament.
More specifically, he said that Androulakis was lying when he claimed that Greece has the most expensive electricity and stated that the tariffs paid by Greek households in the first half of 2025 (latest Eurostat available data) were 21% cheaper than the European average.
Mitsotakis underlined that the government policy ensures the country’s energy security. Prices in Europe are much higher than they were before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, he pointed out, and the wholesale price of electricity has doubled on average, adding that “in 2019, Greece was by far the most expensive country in wholesale prices in Europe.”
“During this period, the price rose from 60 euros to 400 euros and the government reacted. It did not allow the unimaginable increases to reach households. We imposed an extraordinary tax on the excess profits of refineries and subsidized electricity prices so that they do not reach the consumer. In January, the average price was 109 euros in Greece per megawatt-hour and 143 euros in Poland,” the prime minister stressed, adding that “the picture is different from the one that existed in the past. The energy policy mix we chose is based on two pillars.”
“First, on the penetration of renewable energy sources, which will increase even more, and secondly on the choice of natural gas when we cannot meet the demand from renewable energy sources. Not Russian gas, but liquefied gas, possibly of American origin, as long as the prices are favorable, where we will cover the rest of our energy needs,” noted Mitsotakis.
He added that “we expect PPC to see lower prices in the market in the near future” and that only in cases of emergency “will we put lignite in the mix”. For the first time – he emphasized – the energy balance is positive, this means energy security.”
He emphasized that the government proposed investments in energy so that households could enjoy lower electricity prices. As he said, “we have made leaps, since investments stood at 400 million euros in 2024 and they reached 1.5 billion euros”, while “the interconnection of our islands is a priority for us and investments will be made in this direction”.
Concluding his opening remarks, the prime minister stated that this is the result of the government’s systematic choice to invest in natural gas infrastructure. The government managed to give flesh and blood to the Vertical Corridor and Greece now plays a leading role in energy developments in the region, while linking energy policy with its foreign policy, shielding the country not only politically but also energetically, Mitsotakis underlined.
Power production that uses lignite “is very expensive and should only be employed in truly dire need,” Mitsotakis emphasized during his rejoinder regarding the question of energy prices and policy. He also highlighted measures taken by the government to support the income of struggling households and noted that a further increase in the minimum wage will be decided by the cabinet at the end of March.
Referring to what he called a “balanced” mix of photovoltaic and wind power, the prime minister pointed out that “50% of RES production is by the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator (HEDNO), not from the Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO),” he said.
With respect to natural gas, Mitsotakis stressed that the pace of the green transition is coming into question in Europe and that this concern is healthy. “Greece is being hit by the climate crisis. We want a green transition that will lead us to climate neutrality by 2050. The question is, who will bear the cost? Will it be at the expense of competitiveness, social cohesion? Will Europe continue to be uncompetitive in electricity prices with more expensive options? The truth is that many European governments say that the goals of the green transition are legitimate but that we should be more careful in the sectors of the economy where decarbonization will lead to an additional financial burden,” he pointed out.
Concerning the natural gas market with respect to Greece, he noted:
“In 2019, the country imported and consumed about 6 billion cubic meters of natural gas. We consumed whatever entered the system. We had an insignificant role in the energy sector.”
“Today, as a result of the policies of this government, a total of 17 billion cubic meters of natural gas pass through Greece and our country has become a very important pole of energy security for the Balkans and for Southeastern Europe.”
Addressing Androulakis, he underlined that did not happen by chance but was the result of a successful policy. “It was the result of systematic choices by this government to invest in natural gas infrastructure, from Revithoussa to the pipeline connecting Greece with Bulgaria, to the FSRU in Alexandroupolis. And we managed within a few months to give flesh and blood to the Vertical Corridor, with Greece today playing a leading role in energy developments throughout the Eastern Mediterranean.”
The prime minister also stressed the impact on the country’s foreign policy. “Today, Greece can and does link its energy policy with its foreign policy. Because obviously the benefits from this energy upgrade of the country are multiple.”
Mitsotakis reiterated that, for the government, reducing the high cost of living is a top priority. “There are many Greek households that are struggling. At the same time, the government is implementing a prudent economic policy that allows us to support these households,” the prime minister stressed and referred to higher incomes.
“Supporting disposable income is the only way to extend a helping hand to citizens who are struggling. This government refunded an entire rent in November. We have 45 different actions for housing. Don’t point a finger at this government on the issue of prices. We are not boasting, nor are we celebrating. But this government is achieving fiscal targets and has a sufficient surplus that is being returned to society as support measures. At the end of March, the cabinet will decide on another increase in the minimum wage. The goal we had set and committed to, that by 2027 the minimum wage would have increased from 680 euros to 950, will be met in full,” he stressed.
source ANA-MPA